There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon vs Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Is Premium Worth the Price? carries one worth telling.
Is the premium price tag really worth it? We compare Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon ($40.00) against Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years ($510.00) to find out whether spending more actually means drinking better.
This is a matchup every whiskey enthusiast faces at the store shelf. We'll break down nose, palate, finish, and value so you can make an informed choice.
Specifications at a Glance
| Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon | Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | 18 years; mash bill of 84% corn |
| ABV | 45% ABV, mash bill: No | 90 proof |
| Price | $40.00 | $510.00 |
| Rating | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Nose
Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon: The aromas lean towards fruit and spice with a whiff of cider vinegar. I smell notes of candied red apples, sour cherries, and dried lime zest for fruit. The spice note reminds me of clove gum. Theres a touch of soapiness and the nose is faintly sour. Its an odd mix of aromatics that doesnt seem cohesive.
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Bourbon perfume vanilla, some oak, apricot, a touch of orange and dark chocolate.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon: On the palate, this whiskey is a touch muted. Textural-wise, it has an oily, moderate body with a prickly feel from the alcohol. The aromatics are subtle, and remind me of old gum. Its mild and mellow with a note of charcoal and burnt marshmallow that makes me think of Tennessee whiskey. The short finish leaves a suggestion of sugar cookies. On its own, its a bit boring. A dash of water livens up the flavors, bringing out sandalwood, dried autumn leaves, and black tea served with a side of buttery caramel. This is very smooth and would make an excellent mixer. It lacks for complexity but, as a charming, inoffensive whiskey, this works great as a mixer or even on its own.
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Simply gorgeous and well balanced. Creme brulee, butterscotch, apricot, vanilla, orange and a hint of chocolate. Oak is just barely there. Finish is short and a bit sharp, but has a pleasant, slightly sweet note as it fades.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon: Comments: Aged for a minimum of five years in American White Oak Char #4 with Char #2 heads, 45% ABV, mash bill: No. 1: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley & No
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Comments: Tennessee bourbon aged 18 years; mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malted barley; bottled at 90 proof; priced at $510/700 ml bottle. Very lovely orange-amber color in glass with this one
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon offers significantly more bang for your buck at $40.00 compared to Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years's $510.00.
The significant price gap between these two makes value an especially important factor in this comparison.
The Verdict
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years edges ahead in this comparison with a rating of 9/10 versus Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon's 7/10. It offers a more refined experience overall.
However, Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon still has plenty to offer, and depending on your taste preferences, it might be the one you reach for more often.
Read the Full Reviews
- Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon – Full Review
- Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years – Full Review
Final Reflections
Doc Swinson’s Session Blend Straight Bourbon vs Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Is Premium Worth the Price? is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
